M.Chandran v. The Deputy Superintendent Of Police,
BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 24.06.2026
CORAM:
THE HONOURABLE MRS.JUSTICE L.VICTORIA GOWRI M.Chandran ... Petitioner Vs.
1.The Deputy Superintendent of Police, Devakottai Sub- Division, Ramnagar, Devakottai, Sivagangai District 2.The Inspector of Police, Aravayal Police Station, Aravayal, Devakottai Taluk, Sivagangai District.
... Respondents PRAYER : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India for issuance of Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents to grant permission and necessary protection to the petitioner to conduct orchestra in Kandadevi village on 25.06.2026 from 10.00 P.M to 2.30 AM of 26.06.2026 and Karakattam programme on 29.06.2026 from 10.00 p.m to 5.30 p.m of 30.06.2026 in the eve of Arulmigu Sri Swarnamurtheeswarar temple car festival based on the petitioner's representation dated 18.06.2026 within the time limit that may be stipulated by this Court. 1/5
For Petitioner : Mr.G.Thalaimuthurasu For Respondents : Mr.D.Rajaboopathy Government Advocate (Crl.side)
ORDER
Seeking to direct the respondents to grant permission and necessary protection to conduct orchestra in Kandadevi village on 25.06.2026 from 10.00 P.M to 2.30 AM of 26.06.2026 and Karakattam programme on 29.06.2026 from 10.00 p.m to 5.30 p.m of 30.06.2026 in the eve of Arulmigu Sri Swarnamurtheeswarar temple car festival based on the petitioner's representation dated 18.06.2026, this writ petition is filed.
2. The learned Government Advocate(crl.side) categorically contended that the question of conducting Orchestra at Kandadevi village after 10.00 p.m to 2.30 a.m on 25.06.2026 and 26.06.2026 will not arise. The said village is communally sensitive village where a retaliation murder had happened on the eve of Arulmigu Sri Swarnamurtheeswarar temple car festival. Hence, already considering the sensitivity of the festival, as many as 2000 police has been deployed for protection purpose. This particular program which is sought to be conducted by the petitioner is unrelated to the temple festival, but is sought to 2/5
be conducted near Kandadevi village, which would add up to the burden of the State in deploying more police persons. The question of grant of deploying additional police force for the safety and to secure the law and order situation in a neighboring village will not arise. Hence, he sought for dismissal of this petition.
3. However, the learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that they are ready to restrict the time of conduct of the said program and they are seeking permission to conduct only on 29.06.2026 and 30.06.2026.
4. Heard the learned counsel on either side and carefully perused the materials available on record.
5. In this regard, the petitioner is permitted to conduct Karakattam alone on 29.06.2026 and 30.06.2026 from 06.00 p.m to 10.00 p.m. The respondent police is directed to afford necessary police protection for the said events on both the days. This Court is of the considered view that the traditional dance of Karakattam should not be distorted either in the mode of dancing or in the mode of dressing up.
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6. With the above directions, this Writ Petition stands disposed of. 24.06.2026 NCC : Yes / No Index : Yes / No gbg Note : Issue order copy on 25.06.2026.
TO:- 1.The Deputy Superintendent of Police, Devakottai Sub- Division, Ramnagar, Devakottai, Sivagangai District 2.The Inspector of Police, Aravayal Police Station, Aravayal, Devakottai Taluk, Sivagangai District.
3.The Additional Public Prosecutor, Madurai Bench of Madras High Court, Madurai.
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L.VICTORIA GOWRI, J.
gbg Order made in Dated 24.06.2026 5/5